by Delia Latham
****
Dec’s sister looked like him, only with softer, more feminine features. Raine thought she’d have known even if she hadn’t been told they were siblings. His dad—who insisted she call him Ken, not Mr. Keller—was sweet and funny, but bore little resemblance to either of his children. Dec and Brie must look like their mother. Since Ken didn’t have a wife with him and no one had mentioned her, Raine assumed she was deceased. Had Dec mentioned that he’d lost his mother? She didn’t think so, but then, he so rarely shared anything private.
Brie sat quietly, smiling at the banter between her dad and brother. Despite the strong resemblance to Dec, her eye color wasn’t quite the same. Raine couldn’t decide if hers were more blue or gray.
The other woman caught Raine studying her and smiled. “You’ll have to excuse the men in my family. They’re hard enough to tame on their own. When they’re together, there’s simply no keeping them in line.”
Raine returned the smile. “Well, I hadn’t met your dad until today, but I can see where Dec would be difficult to keep a handle on.”
“Did I hear my name over there?” Dec took Raine’s hand and pressed it against his cheek. “My two favorite girls wouldn’t be discussing me in an unfavorable light, would they?”
Brie laughingly denied any such thing.
Raine could only shake her head. Her fingers against Dec’s whiskers—so carefully groomed to look a little scruffy—affected her senses to a ridiculous degree.
With lunch over, they all stood and headed for the door.
“Will you be around awhile, sis?”
Brie stood on her toes to kiss Dec’s cheek. “I have to head back by about five or six. Are you coming to Dad’s place?”
“Yes, but not immediately. Don’t leave until I get there, OK?”
“Well, don’t be too long, big brother. I don’t like driving after dark.”
“I know. I’ll be there soon.”
Brie hugged Raine as if she’d known her forever. “Keep my brother in line,” she whispered.
“You don’t ask much, do you?” Raine chuckled, self-conscious. Why would Brie think she had any influence over Dec? “It was so nice meeting you.”
“You too.”
In Dec’s car, he captured her hand again. “Are you in a hurry to get home?”
“Not really.” Shay and Miss Angie were taking Tara to lunch, and then Shay would deliver them both back to Paradise Pines. “What did you have in mind?”
“I saw something I thought you’d like. Have you ever visited the art galleries here in West Village?”
“One of them, with Miss Angie. I’ve been meaning to go back. I got completely lost in the work of one local artist in particular.”
“Well, let’s go then. I’m not sure which one you visited, but I have a certain place in mind.”
He stopped in front of Cambrian Arts, the same gallery she’d already visited, but put a hand on her arm when she reached for the door handle.
“Raine, wait. I owe you an apology, and I’m not sure how to go about presenting it.”
She smiled. “Saying ‘I’m sorry’ is usually a pretty good start.”
He chuckled. “I am sorry. I was a jerk the other day when I saw you with your friend.”
“Well, you weren’t quite yourself, that much was certainly true at the time.” She watched the emotions play across his face. “Why, Dec? I don’t understand.”
“You really don’t?”
She narrowed her gaze. Was she totally dense? “Should I?”
He lifted a hand and stroked her cheek. “Haven’t you figured out that I kind of think you’re amazing?”
At her startled glance, his hand drifted from her face to leave a trail of fire down the length of her arm, where he wound his fingers through hers.
“I guess you haven’t. Well, let me clear it up for you. I think something really special is developing between us and I’d like to see where it goes. You’re different, Raine—not like any woman I’ve ever met.” He shrugged. “Right or wrong, I can’t help thinking we’re pretty great together. When I saw you with that guy, I just…I don’t know. I felt as if I’d been sucker-punched.”
“Oh, Dec, you don’t understand. Greg’s just—”
He lifted a finger to her lips. “Shhh. You don’t owe me an explanation. I have no right to expect you not to see other men, but still…” He gave her a crooked grin. “I hope I never have to actually see you with anyone else.”
She tucked a hand behind his neck and pulled his face closer to hers. “Greg is a friend. Just a friend. Got that?” Before he could answer, she touched her lips softly to his, then pulled away and opened her door. As tempting as it sounded, she wasn’t ready to sit here on the busiest street in Cambria and make out—not even with Declan Keller.
Dec joined her on the sidewalk, slipped an arm around her waist, and led her into the gallery, where she gravitated immediately toward the same display that had captivated her before.
“I love this artist’s work.” She snuggled against Dec’s shoulder. “Doesn’t it feel as if you could walk right into these scenes?”
Dec grinned. “I’m glad you like Bullard. He’s a friend of mine. I brought you here to see his latest piece.”
Raine quickly scanned the collection of Logan Bullard art. “I saw all of these the other day.”
“But you haven’t seen the one he brought in yesterday.” He tugged on her hand, and she followed him to a room she hadn’t noticed on her previous visit. Tucked away at the back of the shop, it wasn’t large, but a wall of windows lent a spacious feel.
Three paintings on easels stood in the center of the otherwise empty area. They were arranged in a triangular back-to-back grouping, with focus lights hanging from the ceiling above them.
Dec led her around the display to the painting facing the windowed wall.
Raine gasped and sank to her knees on the floor, tugging on Dec’s hand so he’d join her. “Dec!” Her heart raced as if she’d run a marathon, and she couldn’t look away from the piece.
“I know.” He knelt beside her. “Powerful, isn’t it?”
“Absolutely…and more. I’m literally there, Dec, right there in that place.” She hoped he wouldn’t find her statement silly or exaggerated, because she meant every word. Raine had assumed, given the seascapes in the front-room display, that Logan Bullard painted the ocean exclusively. But based on the stunning work in front of her, the artist was capable of far more than a solitary subject.
She was staring at the Pismo Beach butterfly grove. Bullard had portrayed a large cluster of the monarchs, wings overlapping, hanging from a eucalyptus branch in a glorious burst of black and orange. Subtle differences in shade gave the delicate creatures individual status, even as it highlighted the “oneness” of the huge kaleidoscope. Sunshine burst through a filigree lacework of leaves to form a wide swath of glittering light across the clearing.
Raine saw the light flutter of wings. A gentle breeze danced in her hair, even as the sun’s rays warmed her skin. Yet she still sat on the floor in the small back room of a small-town art gallery.
“Hey…you all right?” Dec nudged her with his shoulder, and then slipped an arm around her, tugging her close to his side.
“I’m not sure.” Raine cleared her throat of the emotion that clogged her breathing. “It’s so…incredibly…real.”
The piece was identified as The Grove on a small brass plate attached to the bottom of the canvas. It wasn’t overly large…maybe eighteen by twenty-four. Despite the moderate size of the painting, Dec was right—it was powerful.
Raine felt the soft kiss of butterflies against her skin. If she closed her eyes, would she be transported to the grove, with Dec’s hand in hers, both of them once again covered in fluttering wings?
“I thought you’d like it.” He seemed pleased by her reaction.
“I’m completely in awe.”
They sat for another few minutes, saying nothing, drinking i
n the beauty of the striking painting…and the memories it invoked. Then without exchanging a word, they both stood.
Raine reached out, allowing her fingertips to touch the canvas in a physical expression of awe.
Dec slipped an arm around her waist and they walked back through the gallery and out the door, not bothering to look at anything else. Not today. Why would they? Bullard’s masterpiece would transcend them all, and somehow lessen their beauty. Other artists’ work could be enjoyed another time.
13
“I hate to take you back to the lodge so soon.” Dec slid into the driver’s side and looked at her as he buckled up. “But I do need to get over to Dad’s place before Brie leaves. Will you come with me?”
“I’d love to, but I need to get back. Tara will be waiting.”
“Tara? Is that the young girl who sat with you ladies this morning?”
“Yes. So much has happened. I forgot that I haven’t filled you in.” She launched into an account of taking the girl home with her from Barbecue Haven. “It was the same day you saw me with Greg. She was outside the restaurant when we left.” She pulled in a deep breath and shook her head. “I can’t even tell you what I felt when I saw her. She looked so alone…and so lost.”
Dec’s gaze narrowed, and a crease knit his forehead. “So you just took her home with you, this homeless kid off the street?”
“That’s exactly what I did. I’ve never done anything like it before, but it was right, Dec. I know in my heart it was.”
He smiled. “Well, I can see it had quite an impact on you.”
“It did. Shay and Miss Angie both hopped on board to help, and now even Pastor Merckle is involved. We’re starting an outreach to help Tara and other young people like her. Kids. Just kids, who have no one else to care.”
“Who’s we?”
She told him about the building behind the church and the minister’s plan to turn it into a youth shelter.
Dec kept looking at her—taking little peeks away from the road. Finally, he shook his head, and a smile lifted his lips. “I’ve never seen you so enthused…so into something. This is the kind of excitement I expected when you told me about that new job of yours.”
Raine chewed at her lip, nodding thoughtfully. “You’re right. And I am excited about my job—at least, I thought I was until this all came about. I don’t even know how to adequately explain how I feel. Working with these kids, Dec…helping them find their way…it fulfills me.”
“Well, I have to say you’re radiant. You shine when you talk about this.”
She lifted one shoulder. “I feel the shine inside myself. I’ve never been happier. Oh…and get this. I haven’t run it by Pastor Merckle yet, but I have a name for the place. I hope he likes it, because it was meant to be.” She gave him a teasing grin. “Want to take a guess?”
He twisted his lips, closed one eye. “Hmm. Just off the top of my head, I’d say something like New Beginnings.”
She smiled. “Well, you’re on the right track, but that’s not quite it.” She squeezed his hand, which still cradled her fingers. “Chrysalis, Dec. I’m hoping Pastor will agree to call it Chrysalis.”
He sat quietly for a moment, and Raine bit at her lip, trying not to grin too broadly. She could almost see him turning the word over in his mind, envisioning one of those monarchs in Bullard’s painting emerging from a cocoon, ready to take on a whole new identity. A better life. Ready to soar. She knew what was in his mind, because it was exactly what had been in hers when she came up with the name.
Finally, he looked up and grinned—a big, sappy, happy grin that warmed Raine to her toes.
“Chrysalis.” Just a whisper, but packed with heart. “It’s perfect.”
Before she got out of the car at the lodge, he pulled her close, brushed her lips with his own, and then again before he spoke, his breath still warm against her mouth. “I want to help. With Chrysalis. Think you can find something for me to do?”
A thrill shot through her soul, and she pulled back a little. She couldn’t think clearly that close to him. “We need all the help we can get, but aren’t you busy getting ready for your showing?”
“I have been, but I’m almost finished. Besides, I’d make time for this. I want to be a part of it, Raine, with you.”
She placed a hand on each side of his face and looked into those compelling gray eyes. “Nothing in the world could make it any better.” She slid out of the car, closed the door, and waved as he drove away.
****
Dec accompanied Raine to the church the next morning for her meeting with the pastor. They found him waiting, wearing work clothes and a huge smile.
“Hey, Dec! Didn’t expect to see you this morning, but it’s always a pleasure.”
“Raine’s so excited by all of this. I couldn’t let the bunch of you have all the fun.”
“Well, believe me, my friend—there’s room for anyone who wants to help get this project on its feet. Come on, you two. Let me show you the center of activity.” He led them behind the church to a long, rambling structure that could’ve used a couple coats of paint at least a decade earlier. “This is it. As of this afternoon, I’ll have a license to use this place as a shelter for teens in trouble. Now comes all the fun of making it ready.” He grinned. “I actually have a bit of a head start on that, as you’ll see. Come on inside.”
They followed him through the door and into a large room.
A young man dressed in paint-spattered clothing looked up and grinned. “Hey, Miss Raine!”
“Cole!” She rushed across the room to give the boy a hug.
Dec watched, bemused. When had she come to know so many people in Cambria? Who was this kid, anyway?
“Dec, come and meet my friend.” Raine motioned him closer. “This is Cole Radford. We met a few weeks ago.”
Pastor Merckle joined them and pounded the boy’s shoulder.
Dec grinned when Raine winced. Women never seemed to understand the way men greeted each other. Their hefty blows to each other’s shoulders probably did border on barbaric, but it wasn’t likely to change any time soon—not that he’d even want it to.
“Actually, Raine’s playing down that meeting by quite a bit, Dec. See if you can get her to share a little more about it later.” The minister sent the boy an appreciative smile. “Cole’s been helping me clean the place up. You should have seen it when we first started. He’s been working hard in here.”
The youngster grinned and picked up a paint roller. “Sure have. The preacher’s a slave driver.” His gaze, resting on Pastor Merckle, held a world of respect.
Dec wondered about the boy’s story. He hoped Raine would fill him in later.
They left Cole rolling pale blue color onto the walls.
Pastor led them through the building, the focus of which was the large common area where Cole now worked. That room’s length easily doubled its width. Hallways on the opposite side of each lengthwise wall opened into ten average-sized rooms. At one end of the main area, a kitchen, two restrooms, and another room a bit larger than those in the hallways anchored the setup. Another couple of bathrooms were located at each end.
Dec immediately saw the potential for adding a few shower stalls in each of them.
To his surprise, Raine joined the conversation with great enthusiasm. Where had her customary shy reticence gone? Clearly caught up in the project, she suggested placing two beds in each of the small rooms on either side of the common area. With one of them reserved for an adult supervisor, they could take in eighteen young guests at a time.
The large space next to the kitchen, she pointed out, could double as an office and meeting room for the staff, leaving the common area as a kind of “home room” for dining, games, television, and group functions.
The minister welcomed Raine’s input and outlined his basic operational plan, which included far more than providing a roof over the heads of wayward teens. The kids would receive a bed, food, and clothing, but they’d a
lso be required to attend a certain number of chapel sessions per week. Nothing lengthy or too in-depth, but enough to make them aware that they had a heavenly Father who loved them with an unfailing, unconditional love. He also wanted to seek out professionals who would volunteer time as counselors, mentors, even tutors for those young people who wanted to learn, perhaps even earn a GED.
By the time they left, Dec fully appreciated the effort being put into the shelter. Over and above that, however, he now had an even deeper respect for Raine. Her heart for the kids held no bounds. She radiated life and purpose.
After agreeing to attend a meeting the next evening with Pastor Merckle and a few other people he hoped to involve, they left and headed back toward Paradise Pines.
Raine squirmed in her seat.
Dec grinned. “Excited?”
“I’m so pumped I can’t even be still.”
“I love seeing you this way.”
“I kind of like being this way.” She shook her head. “I can’t even tell you how it feels to have discovered this kind of passion within myself. Dec, these kids…they’re desperate for something better than the hand they’ve been dealt. If I can help turn even one life around to avoid the kind of tragic end statistics say they’re headed for…well, I have to try.”
He nodded, but said nothing.
They rode in comfortable silence.
Dec’s mind was busy with possibilities, and he could almost see the wheels turning in Raine’s head as well.
This thing she was so caught up in had the potential to break her heart. Raine wouldn’t be helping these young folks from a detached, professional stance. She’d be in it all the way—heart and soul.
As much as he dreaded seeing her crushed by the ones they couldn’t save—and he was well aware they couldn’t save them all—Dec wouldn’t want her to be any other way. Raine wouldn’t be Raine without that huge heart and kind spirit. That’s what he loved about her.
With the thought, his heart stood still, shocked by the revelation. He loved Raine. Everything about her. Despite every wall he’d put up against the possibility, she’d found her way into his heart and claimed it, for better or worse.